Things You'll Need:
- Fireproof suit (optional)
- Drag racer
- Helmet
- Roll cage (optional)
- Fire extinguisher
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Step 1
Find out about any specific safety equipment that might be required by the race track in order to compete on the quarter-mile course. Most race tracks will require the use of a helmet, but fire extinguishers, fireproof clothing and roll cages may also be required, depending upon the speed of your car.
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Step 2
Have your car inspected by officials at the race track. This will be for your safety as much as it is for the track's liability, since they will be looking for vehicles that are potentially unsafe to drive at high speeds. Be cooperative, and don't take it personally if your car fails the inspection.
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Step 3
Get in line for your drag race. Take care not to run your engine too much before your race, or to run the air conditioning. Engines tend to have the most power when they are cooler.
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Step 4
Observe the drag race staging lights, or "Christmas tree" lights, as you wait for the race. Watch the other drivers and how they respond to the lighting sequence. Some tracks use a different type of lighting sequence than others, so be sure to ask a track official if you have any questions.
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Step 5
Determine whether or not you want to use the water box before you drag race. A water box is a shallow trench filled with water that you drive through on your way to the starting line. This is only appropriate for racing slicks, since wet treaded tires will simply get the rest of the track wet, making it dangerous for subsequent drag racers.
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Step 6
Perform your burnout, where you spin and heat up your tires, causing them to grip the road better. This also helps in freeing the tires of excessive dirt and debris before the race. Don't overdo it by spinning your tires for more than 3 seconds.
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Step 7
Get your adrenaline pumping!
